Labor Day: we celebrate the American worker

Published 8:08 am Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Prentiss Headlight  / The retail food industry is one of the largest who stay open on Labor Day to accommodate the public. We thank the workers of our local store for their service to us.6-year employee of Ramey’s Grocery in Prentiss Larondia Hathorne checks out groceries for Frederick Warner and nephew Keion Gray.

The Prentiss Headlight / The retail food industry is one of the largest who stay open on Labor Day to accommodate the public. We thank the workers of our local store for their service to us.6-year employee of Ramey’s Grocery in Prentiss Larondia Hathorne checks out groceries for Frederick Warner and nephew Keion Gray.

Those who trudge to your jobs on a daily basis faithfully executing the particulars at your workplace–this is your day.

The US Department of Labor website describes Labor Day as a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September as a tribute to the social and economic achievements of the American worker.

Labor Day is now celebrated more as a day of rest from work and many use it for the last long weekend trip of the summer. In the past the holiday often marked the opening of the new school session, although school usually begins in August now. It was also the last time to fashionably wear white clothing and that has also changed.

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Promoted by labor unions Labor Day became an official national holiday in 1894. It was suggested to be celebrated with a street parade to show the” strength and spirit of labor organizations” followed by a festival for the workers and their families and later incorporated speeches by prominent leaders. However, now most towns as ours just let it be a day off for workers with many business closures for the day. However, the retail clothing industry has capitalized on making it a special sale day that brings in a good portion of their proceeds and those is some industries such as retail food and gas workers continue to serve the public all day making it possible for others to celebrate the day with fast food and travel.

From health care to garbage pickup the American worker makes this nation function. It is the backbone for our independence and key to our nation’s strength, prosperity and well being.

So, we salute you, our American workers, in whatever capacity you toil, and give you thanks for your willingness to work to support your family and benefit the community.